the sorrowing and scattering the precious Word of God far and wide. Only these men will build a solid and true work as diet Luther, John Knox, Wesley, Moody and Spurgeon. C ain B uilt a C ity G en . 4:16, 17 The Spirit recorded that Cain “went out from the presence of the Lord’’ in order to build a city. Most national enterprises are of this char acter. The counsel of God is not sought or desired by most of the leaders in our own beloved country. Our plans for national betterment, reclamation projects, educational programs, taxation, and other legis lation are planned and executed without any regard to God’s desire. This must not be true in the church; otherwise there will be com plete failure. All the plans and pro grams advanced by the church should be under the direction of the Spirit of God, so that Satan’s snares and pitfalls may be avoided. God’s people constitute God’s church, and they should watch carefully in order that the standard of the cross may not be lowered, and the value of the shed blood of -Jesus may not be slighted. Every phase of the work in the church of God should be executed in the light of His Word, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that all may be done for His glory. G race I s N eeded F or G overnment 1 C or . 3:10 In the family, no child has more authority than another, but some have more ability than others. The gift is recognized and also the abil ity. Those who have honest hearts, and genuine desires for the best in terests of the family, will show grace and kindness toward those who are able to do better work. This is the way a democracy should operate. We all agree that some men are bet ter able to handle our legislation than we are. Therefore, we elect them to do the work for us. We elect law-enforcement officers because we have confidence in their integrity and ability. So in the church we should constantly seek those who have special gifts and special ability in order that they may direct the work of the church for the glory of God. Grace must be exercised by those who serve and by those who are served if the best results are to be obtained. SACRED PIANO SOLOS “There’s a Wideness In Cod’s Mercy” Classical arrangements. Original introductions. Rich harmonies, Brilliant cadenzas. Modula tions, Chimes. Suitable for Radio performance. Each, Sie. ALL THREE FOR $1.00 postpaid. Order from GORDON E. HOOKER 558 So. Hope St. Los Angeles 13, Celli. Page Thirty-one “Blessed Be the Fountain” “Safe In the Arms of Jesus”
July 13/ 1947 PROBLEM S SELF -GOVERNM ENT FACES T O D A Y E x . 32:1-6; 1 C or . 1:10-15
Self-government, such as we have in our great democracy, suffers greatly from blind partisanship, ignorance, and inability. Selfishness regulates much that is done and self- seeking prevents service without prejudice. Of course, all of our troubles, both national and individu al, are due to a lack of Christian ex perience and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We can hardly expect unsaved, ungodly men to seek the principles of Christ as the guiding force in their service. Men without God are not protected from evil in fluences. They are unable to control their own passions because the grace of God is not present in their lives. The same thing is true in the church today. Unbelieving men, who deny the truth of God’s Word, occupy lead ing positions in many churches and control much that is ddne in the name of religion. The remedy for this serious situation is a faithful preaching of God’s Word so that His will may be known and obeyed. P eter W rites O f A H oly N ation 1 P et . 5:9 The people of God constitute a separate entity in this world. They are in the world, but are not of it. They are in the world as salt, as lights, as ambassadors for God. Christians live differently from the ungodly. The ungodly may drink liquor, use tobacco, indulge in pro fanity, and still be prominent lead ers in the affairs of our nation. These things cannot be done in the church. The leaders of the church should be the most holy, the most spiritual of all people. The wearing of a peculiar garb, or the carrying of a special rod, does not impart spirit ual power. Unsaved leaders in reli gion today assume great powers, but have no actual power with God. They can do no miracles whatever. They cannot change lives or mend broken hearts. If their garments were re moved, they would be as plain and as powerless as the most common person. J ude I nstructs I n How To B uild F or G od J ude 20 As our national leaders seek to build a great nation, and to preserve its position by military strategy and preparation, so the church should build a great testimony for God on the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the teachings of His twelve apostles. The church should guard against the encroachments of the world, the flesh, and the devil. It should not permit men who are not true to the gospel to be leaders JUNE, 1947
and teachers. Only those who are clear in their faith and have a posi tive testimony should be workmen
IT'S AN IDEA 8ev. Carlton C. Buck
Idea 1. In connection with the July 6 topic with regard to the Christian’s right to make a direct approach to God, a study of Hebrews 10:19-25 would be helpful to your group. Idea 2. July is a good month for a social with a patriotic theme. The decora tions should be in red, white and blue, and the devotions may be divided into three parts. The leader might take the first letter of each of our national colors as the ini tial letter of the spiritual thought, that is, R—redemp tion, W—witnessing, B—Bi ble study. Idea 3. For the July 20 topic, “Pagan Areas in America," draw a large cir cle with five spokes on post er board. Caption the whole drawing, “Life in our Town,” then label the five areas as follows: The Lord’s Day, School Activities, Business Life, Race Relations, Leisure Time. In group discussion, decide what portion of each area is Christian, and what portion pagan. For example, all businesses are not Chris tian. The group must decide the proportion, and fill in the pagan area. This will give you a picture of the pagan areas in your com munity which should chal lenge you to Christian ac tion. Idea 4. In relation to the July 27 topic, a group of your young people could call on the Mayor of your town and ask him for practical suggestions as to how your society could help in the cause of righteousness in your community. This would give a splendid opportunity for youth to witness to the chief citizen of your city.
in building up the church of God in missions, soul-winning, preaching and teaching the Word, comforting
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